'Our A&E is full': Hospital trust declares 'critical incident' over 'immense pressure on services'
A hospital trust tonight declared a 'critical incident' over what it called 'immense pressure on its services' on the eve of tomorrow's ambulance service strike.
Bosses added there would now be a 'major focus on discharging patients who are ready to leave our hospitals' so critically-ill patients can be treated. The move represents an escalation in the situation and means some non-urgent operations and appointments will be cancelled, the trust confirmed. "The safety of our patients and our staff is always our top priority. However, in order to maintain the safety of our services we must prioritise the treatment for patients with life-threatening conditions and injuries.
"As a result of this ongoing pressure, the trust has escalated its position to a critical incident, which means WWL can take additional action to maintain safe services for our patients and tackle this increasing pressure. "The Emergency Department is not always the first place to come when you require medical attention, and the alternatives out there can get people seen quicker and in a more appropriate place. If your condition is not life or limb-threatening, visit NHS 111 online in the first instance, contact your GP, contact a local pharmacy for advice, or visit an Urgent Treatment Centre, such as the one we have Leigh.
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